There is no recipe like the Slow Cooker Chicken Legs Recipe. Slow cooker chicken legs are a delicious and convenient dish made by cooking chicken legs in a slow cooker or crock-pot.
To start making chicken legs in the slow cooker, begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Rinse the chicken legs with cold water and blot them dry with paper towels. Prepare the seasoning mixture by combining olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other desired spices in a mixing bowl. Make sure the chicken legs are evenly coated by rubbing the spice mixture all over them.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Legs Recipe
To prepare slow-cooker chicken legs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken legs
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Optional: your choice of additional seasonings (e.g., thyme, rosemary, chili powder)
These are all the necessary ingredients for the Slow Cooker Chicken Legs Recipe.
Equipment You’ll Need
Below, I have listed the exact equipment you’ll need to prepare slow cooker chicken legs recipe :
- Slow Cooker: A slow cooker, also known as a crock pot, is the main piece of equipment for this recipe. It’s used to cook the chicken legs at a low temperature over an extended period, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
- Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a mixing bowl to combine the olive oil and seasonings for coating the chicken legs.
- Measuring Spoons: Use measuring spoons to accurately measure the quantities of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other seasonings for the recipe.
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: Grease the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent the chicken legs from sticking during cooking.
- Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential for checking the internal temperature of the chicken legs to ensure they’re fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serving Platter: Once the chicken legs are cooked, you’ll need a serving platter to transfer them from the slow cooker to the table for serving.
These are the equipment required to prepare slow cooker chicken legs recipe.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preparation
- Rinse the chicken legs: Start by rinsing the chicken legs under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken legs, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Let it marinate (optional): For enhanced flavor, you can let the seasoned chicken legs marinate in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight.
Step 2: Cooking
- Prepare the slow cooker: Grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the chicken legs: Place the seasoned chicken legs in the slow cooker, ensuring they’re in a single layer and not overcrowded.
- Set the timer and temperature: Cook the chicken legs on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, depending on your preference and the cooker’s settings.
Step 3: Monitoring
- Check for doneness: About halfway through the cooking time, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken legs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the succulent chicken legs hot alongside creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort meal. For a lighter option, pair them with a crisp garden salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
You can also serve them with roasted sweet potatoes and sautéed spinach for a wholesome dinner. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of flavor.
Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Chicken Legs Recipe
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil
- Meat Thermometer
- Serving Platter
Ingredients
- Chicken legs
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Optional: your choice of additional seasonings e.g., thyme, rosemary, chili powder
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation
- Rinse the chicken legs: Start by rinsing the chicken legs under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken legs, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Let it marinate (optional): For enhanced flavor, you can let the seasoned chicken legs marinate in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight.
Step 2: Cooking
- Prepare the slow cooker: Grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the chicken legs: Place the seasoned chicken legs in the slow cooker, ensuring they’re in a single layer and not overcrowded.
- Set the timer and temperature: Cook the chicken legs on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, depending on your preference and the cooker’s settings.
Step 3: Monitoring
- Check for doneness: About halfway through the cooking time, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken legs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Notes
Variations for Slow Cooker Recipes for Chicken Legs
There are numerous variations and customizations you can try with slow cooker chicken legs recipes to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different seasoning blends such as lemon pepper, Cajun, or barbecue rubs for unique flavor profiles.
You can also incorporate various herbs, spices, and sauces to create personalized marinades. Additionally, consider adding vegetables or other proteins to the slow cooker for a more hearty and diverse meal.
Storage and Reheating
For optimal storage of leftover slow cooker chicken legs, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for the best quality.
To reheat, microwave the chicken legs until heated through, or warm them in the oven at a low temperature to prevent drying out. Avoid leaving cooked chicken at room temperature for extended periods to prevent bacterial growth.
Cooking Time and Calorie
The cooking time for slow cooker chicken legs recipe is approximately 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat, depending on your preference and the cooker’s settings.
In terms of calories, each chicken leg typically contains around 200-250 calories, but this can vary based on factors such as size, seasoning, and cooking methods.
Is Slow Cooker Chicken Legs Recipe Family-Friendly?
Kids and adults alike will love the tender, flavorful chicken legs. It’s a fuss-free dinner option that pleases the whole family. Chicken legs are one of the most affordable cuts of meat, making this recipe a wallet-friendly choice for budget-conscious households.
From classic barbecue to Asian-inspired marinades, slow cooker chicken legs recipes can be adapted to suit various cuisines and flavor preferences.
Wrapping Up
This was all about the recipe for chicken legs in the slow cooker. In conclusion, The Recipe for slow cooker chicken legs is a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify mealtime without sacrificing flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy juicy, succulent chicken legs that are bursting with deliciousness. Give this recipe a try and experience the magic of slow cooking!
If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 Stars at the end of the Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) Section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones! I am sure that you will also like the Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies Recipe.
FAQs for Slow Cooker Chicken Legs Recipe
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Can I use other cuts of chicken instead of chicken legs?
While chicken legs work best for this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks with similar results.
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Does the slow cooker need liquid added to it?
No, the chicken legs will release their juices as they cook, providing enough moisture for the dish.
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Can I cook the chicken legs on high heat for a shorter time?
Yes, you can cook them on high heat for 3-4 hours, but the low and slow method yields more tender results.
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Can I freeze the cooked chicken legs for later?
Yes, allow the chicken legs to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe bags or containers. For up to three months, they can be kept in the freezer.
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What should I do if the chicken legs are too salty?
If the chicken legs turn out too salty, try diluting the saltiness by serving them with plain rice or potatoes.